Shihpoo, like Havapoo before it in this registry, is almost certainly a data artifact: a hybrid breed name (Shih Tzu crossed with Poodle) entered in the name field rather than the breed field during city pet licensing. Forty-six records at a consistent rank alongside other hybrid breed names confirms the systematic entry pattern rather than genuine naming intent.
Registry Data Context
New York and Seattle pet licensing systems — the sources for this dataset — have documented breed names appearing in name columns when owners or clerks use the breed as a placeholder or when forms are ambiguous about field order. Shihpoo joins Havapoo, Goldendoodle, and similar hybrid breed names at comparable counts for exactly this reason. It is not a name anyone deliberately chose for their dog.
If You Own a Shih-Poo Looking for a Name
Shih-Poos are small, affectionate, low-shedding companions who combine the Shih Tzu's gentle temperament with the Poodle's intelligence. They tend to attract names in the soft, warm register: Mochi, Teddy, Boba, and Coco all appear regularly on small hybrids of this type. Browse the Shih Tzu name guide and Toy Poodle name guide for curated options that fit the breed's personality.
Counter-Reading: The Accidental Name
If you find the whole situation amusing enough to actually name your Shih-Poo "Shihpoo," that is a completely valid choice. The name is functional, immediately legible, and very funny on a vet intake form. Just be prepared to explain it at every appointment.